Accessibility links

Navigation

Course description

To create innovative, exciting games, the industry needs more than just computer programmers. It needs artists and storytellers. This course will prepare you for working in the creative side of the games industry and give you the skills to explore one
of the worlds most exciting new art-forms.

Course content

You will gain a UAL Art and Design qualification. The games industry is now a bigger entertainment industry than both films and music, and there are a huge variety of jobs available for creative people. Over the two years, you will learn a wide range of
skills and eventually develop your own specialism.

There are some of the areas you will study:

Concept art, character design and world building

3D modelling

Creating games

Drawing skills

Design software

Visual language and storytelling

The history and theory of video games

Moving image

You will have access to specialist resources, including design software, studio space and workshops. The course also includes live briefs, allowing you to exhibit your work both in College and in external spaces in Sheffield.

A number of specifications will be changing and prospectus entries are based on information we have to date. This means that course content may be subject to change.

Entry requirements

You will need at least 4 GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C). You will normally need at least a grade 4/C in English Language and Maths. Non-GCSE qualifications like BTEC Level 2 in a related area can count towards this total, but we will also look at your overall
academic profile. A GCSE in Art or another creative subject is helpful but not essential. You should have an interest in art or media, and some experience of producing your own work. You must have an interest in drawing. If you do not have a GCSE grade
4/C in Art or another creative subject, you should bring a portfolio of art and design work to your interview.

Assessment

You will be assessed through the year through portfolio work. There is no exam. The great thing about the UAL course is you get to develop your own specialism, so you will be able to choose and develop your own final project.

Financial information

Everything you must have to undertake the course will be provided by college. You may have to pay for extras such as trips/visits.

Future opportunities

The creative industries are the second biggest employer in the UK and the games and digital media industries are one of the fastest growing parts of that. The UK has been one of the world's most successful video game producers behind only Japan and the
United States. From large companies to small independent studies, the British games industry needs imaginative people with art, design and storytelling skills to create the next generation of games. If you choose to specialise in concept art, you could also
pursue a career designing for film and television.

The range of practical and analytical skills developed during the course make this course an excellent preparation for higher education courses such as studying game design at university. Though the course specialises in games, the broad assortment of skills
you will learn would also allow you to study other areas such as digital art, design, animation and film and television.

The portfolio you produce over the course will enable you to demonstrate a wide range of relevant experience and skills for future interviews. Our Creative and Digital Arts Career Ready programme will provide opportunities for you to gain work experience
and to connect in other ways with real professionals.

How to apply

You can apply for this course through UCAS Progress. Add this course to your favourites so you can start making an application.